Introduces and explains church music and congregational singing for beginners.
Music is an essential element in Anglican worship; in fact, The Hymnal 1982 is used in virtually every Episcopal service of worship that involves singing. While most parishioners participate in music making at some level (such as singing hymns or common responses), fewer people might understand the specific genres that comprise the music of an Episcopal worship service or the liturgical meaning behind each selection. This book provides a more in-depth understanding of this rich and complex tradition, discussing the history and evolution of music within the Episcopal Church, including its Anglican roots.
This book is designed to help clarify—and simplify—the importance of hymn singing and service music in Episcopal worship, as well as explain the history, structure, and content of The Hymnal 1982.making at some level (such as singing hymns or common responses), fewer people might understand the specific genres that comprise the music of an Episcopal worship service or the liturgical meaning behind each selection. This book provides a more in-depth understanding of this rich and complex tradition, discussing the history and evolution of music within the Episcopal Church, including its Anglican roots.
Matthew Hoch serves as Choirmaster and Minister of Music at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Alabama. Previous positions include Choirmaster and Director of Music at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Rome, Georgia, and baritone soloist and section leader at Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston. He holds the DMA from the New England Conservatory and is also the author of A Dictionary for the Modern Singer. He lives in Auburn, Alabama.
"This book provides a concise but comprehensive introduction to essential musical matters that will be of help not only to newcomers to The Episcopal Church but also to many long-time members who have never explored the resources of The Hymnal 1982 or considered how Anglican musical traditions developed. In addition, it offers clergy and other liturgical planners a means of becoming familiar with this dimension of worship so that conversations with parish musicians can be both more informed and more productive." — The Rev. Dr. Carl P. Daw Jr., former executive director, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada
"Welcome to Church Music and The Hymnal 1982 is a most welcome addition to the 'Welcome to' series and fills an important need for parishes. Matthew Hoch has provided us with a masterful road map through these many opportunities to 'make a joyful noise' to our Lord. Welcome to Church Music has something for every adventurer into church music. From the church music novice in the pew to the master musician at a great cathedral organ, Matthew Hoch has given us a treasure chest to be explored with renewed excitement, and with challenging vision for the future as '. . . in our music God is glorified.'" — JD Godwin, priest-in-charge, The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist
"Full of history, information, and heart, Welcome to Church Music offers treasures: the most important is its invitation to communities to learn with and from each other. While individuals can certainly gain much from Hoch’s thoughtful distillation, even more exciting is the potential the book presents for discussion, debate, and sharing “when two are three are gathered”: church leadership, formation study groups, newcomer gatherings, choirs, and others. Imagine, too, the consequent musical fruits!" — Martha Jones Burford, SCLM, Task Force Congregational Song, and co-editor, Church Music Forward
